QB Cutler said healthy, likely to start for Chicago this week

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Jay Cutler, who has been out with a groin injury, will likely start at quarterback this week for the Chicago Bears, the team said Thursday.

Cutler suffered the injury Oct. 20 and, after the team's bye week, missed the Bears' Monday night game.

It was initially said he would be out of action for at least four weeks but Thursday Bears Coach Marc Trestman said Cutler had been cleared to return to action. He is expected to start Sunday when Chicago has a home game against the Detroit Lions in a key NFC North game.

Josh McCown filled in for Cutler Monday against Green Bay and led the Bears to a 27-20 win. That left the Bears, Lions and Green Bay Packers tied atop the division with 5-3 records.

Cutler, 30 and in his eighth NFL season, has passed for 1,658 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with seven interceptions, this season. In his 100-game NFL career, Cutler is 1,942-of-3,180 passing for 22,974 yards and 148 touchdowns.